Google Pixel 2 XL/Project Fi

Until recently I suffered from a self-described, self-diagnosed condition I called CAPS (Compulsive Android Purchase Syndrome). I found myself purchasing almost every Android flagship phone that was introduced and selling my current phone. I didn’t bother with Apple devices because I’ve spent enough time trying to help my wife with her iPhone and iPad to know that the locked-down iOS is not for me. I love the flexibility of Android; when I get a new phone I try the user interface provided by the phone’s manufacturer but, invariably, I switch to the Nova Prime launcher so that I can customize the interface to my liking.
After trying various flagship phones I discovered the Google Pixel 2 XL, and it’s a phone I’m going to stick with for a while (at least until Google introduces the Pixel 3 XL). I’m sure the smaller Google Pixel 2 is also a great phone, but my eyesight is not what it once was, and I need the larger display of the XL.
Google Pixel 2 phones combine great hardware, pure Android, and artificial intelligence to create the smoothest and fastest phone I’ve experienced. The Pixel 2 XL has great battery life, an excellent camera, and it’s always updated to the latest version of Android with the most recent security patches. I must admit that the Pixel 2 XL lacks two features I always look for on a phone: expandable memory and a headphone jack. Google partially makes up for the lack of expandable memory by allowing unlimited storage of photos and videos in their original format on Google Photos. As far as audio is concerned, the phone has front-facing stereo speakers, and for headphone use Google provides a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) adapter for the USB-C port.
When I bought the Google Pixel 2 XL I also switched carriers to Google’s Project Fi. Project Fi is a service developed by Google that automatically switches between three carriers — T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular – depending on which offers the best signal at the time. Project Fi also uses Wi-Fi whenever available to make calls and send texts. With Project Fi you get some of the same features that you get with Google Voice. You can forward phone calls from your mobile number to any phone, view voicemail, and make calls and send texts using your mobile number from any device using the Hangouts app and website. Unfortunately, to take advantage of the features offered by Project Fi you must have a Google phone or the Moto X4 sold by Google.
Project Fi also works internationally in 170 countries with no additional cost for data use or texting. You can call at a flat rate to any number while on the cellular networks abroad or pay much lower rates when calling on Wi-Fi. You can also call back home to the U.S. on Wi-Fi for free.
So far, Project Fi coverage has been great, and you only pay for the cellular data you use. I don’t use a lot of cellular data and my first monthly bill from Project Fi was $22.48 (I was previously paying $35.00 per month with Cricket).